I really like half-marathons. That's probably why I became a "Half Fanatic". If you're crazy like I am (or even crazier, and like to run back-to-back FULL marathons) you might be interested to hear about the Firecracker Triple.

This year, July 4th just so happens to fall on a Monday. This conveniently places the annual Foot Traffic Flat Half and Full Marathons on Monday, leaving open a full weekend for potential races. Fellow Half Fanatic (and Marathon Maniac) Steve Walters saw this opportunity, and has organized half and full marathons for Saturday and Sunday of the July 4th weekend.

First up on Saturday, July 2, 2011, the Stars and Stripes Marathon and Half Marathon will take place in Beaverton, along the Fanno Creek trail. The course runs along a 2.62 mile loop (10 loops for the full, 5 for the half), with an aid station located at the start/finish area. Each participant will receive a t-shirt and a finishers medal, all for only $25 for the full ($30 after June 15) and $20 for the half ($25 after June 15).

Next up, Sunday, July 3, 2011, the Freedom Marathon and Half Marathon, runs along the Springwater Trail in Gresham. The course starts and finishes at the Main City Park at the "Coho" picnic shelter. From there, you head west for 6.55 miles, then turn and head back to the finish. The half is a simple out and back, and the full is simply completing the out and back twice. This race concludes with a post-race BBQ to celebrate the holiday, and the fun of running! This race also includes a t-shirt and finishers medal, and is $35 for the full ($40 after June 15) and $30 for the half ($35 after June 15).

Each race is capped at just 100 participants. So far, 33 spots have already been scooped up for each race, so make sure to sign up soon if you are interested in either or both races.

Both of these races benefit the Wounded Warrior Project, a great organization that helps disabled veterans coming back from overseas conflicts.

In addition to supporting a great organization, those who complete both the Stars and Stripes Marathon/Half Marathon, and the Freedom Marathon/Half Marathon, in addition to the Foot Traffic Flat Marathon/Half Marathon, will receive a special finishers medal. You don't even have to run the same distance for each race, you can mix and match any way you see fit. But for those of you striving to reach the higher echelons of either the Half Fanatics or Marathon Maniacs, this is a great opportunity to reach either Mars (5 moons) or the Ruthenium Level (5 stars), respectively.

And if you don't see yourself participating in all (or any of the) three races, why not be an enabler for the day, and help volunteer? You can contact the race director, Steve Walters at: 26freak@gmail.com. You can join RunOregon's Kelly Barten, as she cheers us on!